Richard V. Luthi, 81, passed away on 2/18/15, but not before leading a very successful and fulfilled life committed to serving his family, his country, and his community.

His journey began in Commerce, Georgia, where he was the first son of E. Willie and Ellen Luthi. He had 8 brothers and sisters, Mary, Josephine, Ernest, William, Ruth, Philip, Charlotte, and Donald. As a youngster of the Depression era, he longed to escape the challenges of his life New Jersey and enlisted in the United States Army as a teenager. The army provided him with new hope, purpose, and guidance. His military path led him to proudly serve in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He rose steadily through the ranks accruing the Combat Infantry Badge, Sharpshooter badge, Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, 4 Bronze Stars, Medal of Commendation, Army Occupation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and several Meritorious Service Medals. He married his one love, Carol S. Luthi(deceased), and together they raised a daughter, Linda Luthi, and son, Richard Luthi, Jr.

His military service brought him and his family the opportunity to live in a variety of locations in Europe and the U.S., including Austria, Germany, Georgia, Virginia, Hawaii, and Connecticut. Dick loved to travel. He insisted that his children attend public schools to experience the culture and diversity of each assignment. His family was last stationed at the Nike base in Rehoboth where he decided to retire with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 1971. He later served the town as the Veteran’s Officer, Town Treasurer, and worked for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, H&R Block, and LORAC tax preparation.

Having put down roots in Rehoboth, he undertook the task of starting the Rehoboth Junior Football League and coached for the Rehoboth Little League. With his wife running the snack stand, his daughter coaching and being scorekeeper, and his son practicing and playing on the Rehoboth teams, town sports became a family affair. In addition, he enjoyed opening their home to the families of his siblings and in-laws. He especially enjoyed time spent with his nieces/nephews and their families. Later service to the community included membership to the Rehoboth Lions Club where he was chairperson for the Vidbel Circus committee, volunteering with various agencies providing help to people with intellectual disabilities, Rehoboth 350th Anniversary celebrations committee, and Rehoboth Arts and Air Festival committee. Favorite hobbies included fishing, driving, coin collecting, reading, betting a nickel on his favorite sports teams, and playing cards.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda Luthi and grandchildren, Cassidy and Lindsey; his son Richard Luthi and his wife Bonnie Luthi, and grandchildren Justin, Jared, Derek, Shawn, and Meghan.

His funeral service will be held on 3/2/15 at Mt Carmel Church on Taunton Ave., Seekonk, Ma. at 11a.

Burial will be at 1:15p at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Bourne, Ma.

The family welcomes everyone for a buffet in honor of Dick’s memory at 275 County St., Rehoboth, Ma. after 4p. The family also requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Dick Luthi’s name to the Paralyzed Veteran’s Of America or the American Legion in Commerce, Georgia.